*Merkur 45 Bakelite Double Edge Safety Razor

The Merkur 45 Bakelite Safety Razor will bring back old memories. This ground-breaking material has been recognized as the world's first synthetic plastic. The retro appeal of Bakelite products has made them a collectible item over the years. Merkur brings back the traditional style of vintage razor making with this beautifully crafted safety razor finished in black and red. This lightweight razor is ideal for travel and will fit comfortable into any carry-on.

Weight: 15 gramsLength: 83mm

Note: Razor comes packaged with 1 Merkur double edge blade. This product is no longer available. this item is no longer available.

My experience with the Merkur 45 Bakelite mirrors my experience with the modern multi-blade razors: In short, I get better, more comfortable shaves with the disposable versions of the razors than their metal counterparts. I can't explain why, but -- and again, I'm just speaking about my personal experience -- I believe the additional weight of a conventional DE razor actually makes the shave harsher. I experienced far less irritation with the Merkur 45 Bakelite than my Edwin Jagger DE89L and the shave was just as close, if not closer. I'd be interested to see if other double edge razor manufacturers could follow Merkur's approach and create polymer versions of their products. I hope Merkur continues to produce this model.

Lite in Weight, No skimping on quality, 3.19.2012

Reviewer: Mikhail Barson (Temple, Texas)

I bought this razor for my work bag/gym bag. It is extremely light in weight, it weighs virtually nothing, but it is no lightweight in shave quality. Its a shortie, and the head is very light so you can not depend on the head to do the shaving, but you do get great feedback from your skin to your fingers. Easy to clean up, easy to throw in a packpack for camping trips, touch ups at work. No quality sacrifice.I've owed mine since they were introduced and I am getting one for my brother who is always camping or flying off to a conference. Really, you can not lose. This is the only plastic razor I have been impressed by, and it is not a disposable razor, and it is very durable. You must have one, especially if you suffer from RAD.

"Bakelite" it ain't, 11.19.2011

Reviewer: Phillips, Chas. (Numbty, Confusion)

Although I have used this razor on and off for a year or so, I must correct everyone who thinks it's made of "Bakelite". It is not. It's a hard plastic of some kind, different from "Bakelite". That being said, it shaves well, with no fuss, in spite of being lightweight.
Purchase it with no misgivings.

Best razor I've ever used, 10.24.2011

Reviewer: Chris (Boston, MA)

I got this *just* because of the cool retro 1940's look. Then I started reading reviews, and it actually seemed to be a good razor, too. When it first arrived I was horrified of the weight, or lack their of. I figured I was going to have a hard time having to apply the pressure myself. However, this is such a non-issue. Something about the angle of the head produces an amazing shave. It is now my first go-to razor every day. Despite the reason I actually purchased this thing, I have become one of those people who are not toting how great this thing is for its actual purpose. I'd recommend this to anyone who uses a safety razor.

Wow!, 7.1.2011

Reviewer: Pierre K (F. Lauderdale, FL)

Honest to say, I wasn't expecting much when I first saw a picture of this razor. I was very surprised by how light it is, and the easy setting (luckily not adjustable). Like other DE safety razors, it bends the blade, so just make sure you hold it at the right angle. Five Stars!!

Don't waste your money, 6.14.2011

Reviewer: Mark Fannin (Colorado Springs, CO)

The material doesn't remind me of bakelite (I'm over 50 and I know). The shaft cracked when screwed into the head piece and the leading edge plastic was rough - I had to sand it to make it smooth. I've owned Merkur for years and routinely buy their outstanding products - but this toy isn't one of their better products. Recommend you buy the metal travel razor.

Pleasantly surprised, 12.28.2010

Reviewer: Tim (Richmond, VA)

I bought this just to have something different. It has become my daily razor. yes, it's light but really doesn't take much getting used to. It's easy to achieve the correct cutting angle and most any blade will give you a good shave. My Merkur 34D is very picky about which blade performs well. Not this Bakelite. Even the crummy drug store blades work well in this razor and good blades really shine. There is no irritation, none. Highly recommended.

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